Next-generation aminoglycoside antibiotics to treat multidrug-resistant infections
Official title: Shaping Next Generation Aminoglycoside Antibiotics for Treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Diseases
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11402660 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A University of Georgia research project is developing improved aminoglycoside antibiotics to fight hard-to-treat bacteria while aiming to reduce hearing loss and kidney toxicity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | August 23, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $573,055 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI168094-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11402660 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients affected by infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria and who may benefit from safer aminoglycoside therapies in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-bacterial infections or those not eligible for aminoglycoside treatment would not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project will synthesize and optimize new derivatives of paromomycin and apramycin to attack both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including drug-resistant strains. Researchers will use a feedback loop from antibacterial and toxicity screening to guide the next design cycle. They will test for ototoxicity in mouse cochlear explant and guinea pig models, and assess nephrotoxicity in relevant cell lines and mice to ensure a safer profile. The goal is to preserve strong antibacterial activity while minimizing adverse effects that limit current aminoglycoside use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from more effective antibiotics with reduced risk of hearing loss and kidney injury.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows promise in designing less toxic aminoglycosides, but this remains an area with ongoing development and uncertainty.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Crich, David — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Crich, David
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.